A NOTE FROM THE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Patrons of the ASO,

We are excited to present to you the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s 62nd performance season!

Music can grab us and remind us of important lessons that help guide us in the present. It can center us. This is what you will experience with our performance of Masterworks I: Music to Remember. Thank you for sharing this special evening with us!

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is the treasured jewel in our region. Under the direction of our Artistic Director and Conductor José-Luis Novo, our musicians will deepen our exposure to both new and classical symphonic styles. Over the course of this season, we will explore music that defines a national identity, a celebration of Mediterranean culture and flair, a juxtaposition of creation and destruction, and a three-part portrayal of genius, all in the company of extraordinary guest artists. We will travel in time, extrapolate lessons, reflect, and experience many moments of joy and camaraderie.

I would like to take a moment to emphasize that everything we do is in service to the community. We work to uplift those in need and in our last season more than 1,800 hours were spent by ASO musicians out in our community, directly providing comfort and joy to others where they are, in addition to the 32.5 hours of music presented in a concert hall. Our community partnerships are forged by Julie Nolan, our Director of Community Engagement & Outreach.

We endeavor to provide music education to all youth in our area. The Annapolis Symphony Academy is led by ASO Concertmaster, Netanel Draiblaite, who is founder and co-Director of the Annapolis Symphony Academy with Julie Nolan, also co-Director. Professional musicians Heather Haughn, Tony Valerio, and Kimberly Valerio lend their talents as directors of ensembles and sections. ASO musicians work side-byside with Annapolis Symphony Academy students and teachers and mentors. Maestro Novo conducts the Orion Youth Orchestra, an elite group of aspiring young musicians who benefit greatly from these singular and unique experiences. We could not achieve our community outreach and programming goals without these community leaders.

The support you provide goes directly to the initiatives just mentioned and to the artistry that you will witness and experience throughout the year. We could not be more grateful for that support. We rely on your sustaining donations to continue the legacy of an orchestra that remains amongst the best in its tier.

It is important to remind everyone that students can purchase a ticket for just $10. Active duty and retired service members, first responders, and law enforcement can purchase single tickets at a 25% discount. Remember: Masterworks Subscribers receive special discounts on single tickets to Masterworks, Chamber, and Pops concerts. We want to see folks avail themselves of these opportunities. The more the merrier!

We look forward to seeing you in Maryland Hall and Strathmore. It is our honor to bring you Season 62, and we thank each and every one of you!

Warmest regards, Barbara

Interim Executive Director